Tulane student-athletes studying abroad in Australia

NEW ORLEANS – Tulane University Athletics, Newcomb-Tulane College and Tulane’s Department of Sociology have partnered to offer Green Wave student-athletes an opportunity to study abroad during their collegiate careers.

“Our student-athletes will gain a variety of new experiences,” Troy Dannen, Tulane’s Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair said. “Being exposed to new ideas and cultures anywhere else in the world will be extremely beneficial for them throughout their lives.”

In an effort to further enhance their academic experience, 66 student-athletes and six staff members will depart Friday on a 13-day trip to Australia (May 12-25) to visit Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne. The program will be offered annually to rising junior student-athletes.

Continued support for the trip has again come in the form of generosity by Jill and Avie Glazer. The Glazers’ gift allows Tulane Athletics to offer the same study abroad opportunities that many of their non-student-athlete peers are afforded.

“Our hope is that every Tulane student-athlete will have the opportunity to study abroad before they graduate,” Jill Glazer said. “International study can change the trajectory of a student’s life because it opens the door to new ideas, cultures and opportunities across the globe. We couldn’t be happier to make an investment like this.”

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to see sport through both a domestic and international lens, which will afford students more of an appreciation for globalization and differences around the world.

The study abroad experience will offer college credit through the department of sociology in a course titled “Sociology of Sport,” which will focus on an analysis of the structure and functions of sports in contemporary society. Topics include the relationship between sports, socialization, ideology, sports and totemism, the organization of sports, and the economics of sports. The course will be taught by Michele Adams, Tulane University’s Associate Professor of Sociology, Director of Social Policy and Practice and Faculty Athletics Representative.

“Our student-athletes have an such an incredible opportunity ahead of them,” Adams said. “Tulane University has placed an emphasis on global learning and this trip is a huge part of that. To take advantage of this fruitful experience will benefit them greatly, not only for the balance of their college careers, but also for life after Tulane.”

The department initially launched the program in the fall of 2019 with the first trip slated for the spring of 2020, but that was canceled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond Sports, the study abroad service provider Tulane will utilize, was created by a team of former college student-athletes and coaches. The organization’s mission is to “Connect the World Through Sports”. This is achieved through cross-cultural sports experiences, unique opportunities for engagement with local communities through partnerships, and exploring local landmarks and attractions.

Beyond Sports offers international enrichment programs designed to remove barriers that typically prevent student-athletes from traveling abroad while using sports as a vehicle to increase cultural immersion and maximize educational opportunities.

“Beyond Sports is thrilled to partner with Tulane University on this upcoming international experience in Australia!,” said Executive Director Josh Erickson. “The group will have the opportunity to learn about Australian sports culture through a combination of guest speakers, site visits, tours, as well as attending local rugby and AFL matches. We applaud the vision of Tulane University’s administration and staff to provide this amazing cross-cultural immersive experience for their student-athletes.”

Tulane Athletics will have updates from the trip on all of its social accounts (Twitter: @TulaneAthletics; Instagram: @TulaneGreenWave; Facebook: @TUGreenWave) using the hashtag: #WaveDownUnder.